
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached its highest level in two decades.
The Daily Mail , citing Home Office figures, says there were a total of 78,768 applications relating to 97,390 people up to June this year, a figure 19% higher than a year ago.
Albania was the most common nationality applying for asylum in Britain, with 11,790 applications - 7,557 of which came from boat arrivals crossing the Channel.
Afghans were the second most common nationality, with 9,964 applications, almost double the number in the previous 12 months (5,154).
More than 19,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year, with 345 people crossing on Wednesday.
Today's immigration statistics revealed that the number of asylum cases has reached a new record, writes the British tabloid.
A total of 175,457 people were awaiting an initial decision on an asylum claim in the UK at the end of June 2023, up 44% from 122,213 at the end of June 2022, the highest figure since current records began in 2010.
The number of asylum seekers waiting more than six months for an initial decision was 139,961 at the end of June, up 57% year-on-year from 89,231 and another record.